This is an excellent reference book for curriculum planning and enhancement.

40 engaging before, during, and after-reading activities and reproducibles that help students get the most from textbooks and other nonfiction.--[front cover].

"...strategy lessons that help students become skilled readers of nonfiction, able to read and learn from textbooks and other materials independently."--Pg.4 of cover.

This book's 50-plus lessons-each based on a different picture book or story-will help classroom teachers build a foundation for teaching math, science, and social studies concepts to their students. Each lesson uses children's literature to make challenging, abstract concepts relevant to children's lives, inviting them to learn these concepts while responding to a story's illustrations, theme, characters, and plot. The lessons also demonstrate how teachers can use children's literature to meet national standards in math, science, and social studies. Chapters 1 through 5 set the stage for using picture books, discussing the effective, imaginative integration of literature into the classroom. Teachers will learn to create an environment that ensures that when children and books come together, the experience is enjoyable and thought provoking. Chapters 6 through 9 provide individual lessons, by grade level, with detailed activities based on specific books.

Explores the challenges of reading in the context of mathematics.

Problems with the charts in your math kit? Want to discover the science of content-area charts? Wish you could make pre-fab social studies charts history? Then you're ready for Smarter Charts for Math, Science, and Social Studies! In the original Smarter Charts, Marjorie Martinelli and Kristi Mraz helped you turn classroom literacy charts into teaching powerhouses. Now they show how to turn up the instructional energy on content-area charts, too. "No matter what area of the curriculum, clear visuals, simple language, and constant reflection on charts are key to helping children gain independence and agency." You don't have to be a graphic designer or a subject-matter expert. In Smarter Charts for Math, Science, and Social Studies, Marjorie and Kristi share how they learned to make truly effective content-area charts with students. You'll turn complex ideas into kid-friendly visuals, help children internalize content processes, and even increase your instructional time. "The more we charted, the less repeating we did and the more teaching was possible." With dozens of examples from the content areas, including full-color photographs, the Chartchums reveal step by step how to create charts that show Routines, Genres and Concepts, Processes, Repertoires of Strategies, and Exemplars. Then their "Charts in Action" sections show how each type of chart builds engagement and improves independence as it gradually releases responsibility to learners. Don't be content with content-area charts made by someone else for generic students. Turn to Marjorie and Kristi for charts that make learning visible for the students in front of you, no matter what the subject. Check out these videos from the authors! Kristi Mraz and Marjorie Martinelli Show Us the Tools for Smarter Charts Chart tips from the ChartChums: Part 1 Drawing People Chart tips from the ChartChums: Part 2 Icons